Fig. 20
From: Synthesis of graphene quantum dots and their applications in drug delivery
(reprinted/reproduced with the permission of Ref. [196], (reprinted/reproduced with the permission of Ref. [196], copyright 2017, Advanced Functional Materials)
Size-changeable nanoaircrafts (SCNAs) for hierarchical tumor targeting through an aggregation transition in the weak acidity of the tumor environment and photopenetrating drug/GQDs delivery. a The SCNAs delivered DOX/GQDs to the tumor through intravenous injection. b The aggregation transition of the SCNAs in the weak acidity of the tumor environment enhanced tumor accumulation. c NIR-activated disassembly of SCNAs into DOX/GQDs facilitated penetration deep into tumors. d Schematic illustration of the enhanced tumor accumulation and penetration by SCNAs